Which Gout Treatment? More than 15 ideas to help you

To dissolve crystal deposits and thus cure gout we need to make use of medication that decreases purine production or increases its elimination.

But something very important too, is to change diet and lifestyle. Reducing uric acid can reduce the risk of gout and may even prevent subsequent flare-ups in people with the condition.

Read more: How do I get rid of gout?

Yes, gout is considered a curable disease. It is necessary to reach an adequate level of uric acid in the blood to gradually dissolve the crystals, make the symptoms disappear and prevent irreparable damage to the joints in the long term. Prevention and treatment of pain is good for patients, but does not address the disorder that causes gout.

Read more: Can gout be cured completely?

A general practitioner is not enough to help you treat this condition. A rheumatologist can get to the root of the problem and treat your gout more effectively. This is because they specialise in arthritis and rheumatic diseases such as Gout.

The rheumatologist is the specialist who treats gout disease. He is the specialist who manages pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system and associated connective tissues and conditions affecting the periarticular area. He will be the one in charge of correctly diagnosing the patient and offering him/her a treatment that manages to reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood, so that the urate crystals dissolve definitively.

That’s why most patients with gout consult a rheumatologist. This professional usually prescribes small doses of colchicine and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and heal inflammation. He also treats hyperuricemia with non-pharmacological treatments such as diet correction. For example, he may recommend that his patients avoid alcohol and high-fat foods. He may also ask them to restrict the consumption of game, seafood and fish and to drink plenty of water.

With a rheumatologist, you get a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your gout. The disease is difficult enough to manage on its own. By getting treatment from the right specialist, you can save yourself a lot of pain and hassle.

In addition to the rheumatologist, you may need to see other specialists who can help you. These include a dietician, an orthopaedist, a cardiologist and a podiatrist. Let’s look at their roles in your gout management journey. It’s important that you know who these specialists are and who to talk to depending on your situation. You may also need to take home remedies.

The diet for gout is mainly based on reducing the intake of foods rich in purines, and should include foods that have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and relieve inflammation in the joints, and diuretics to eliminate excess uric acid through urine.

Foods rich in purines are meats and seafood, as well as alcoholic beverages. So they should be avoid as well as sugary foods and beverages.

Read more: What should I not eat if I have gout?

If gout is not treated properly, the frequency and duration of an attack is likely to increase as the disease progresses. The same applies to the number of affected areas. Arthritis can become chronic in many joints. These include the knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, etc.

Gout can lead to deposits of urate crystals under the skin, called tophi. They are small, painless nodules that may appear under the skin after a few years. These nodules occur on the outer edge of the ear, on the elbows and on the fingers. They can also appear on the toes and near the Achilles tendon. Note that these nodules are not painful but they can damage the tendons. They also can become inflamed and tender during gout attacks.

In some cases, a gout attack can manifest itself as kidney stones. If treatment is neglected, excess uric acid will be deposited in the kidneys. This blocks the fine channels and causes kidney stones or kidney failure.

So gout causes more than pain. Gout, especially chronic gout, can lead to serious medical problems over time if left unchecked.

It should be noted that today, gout is better known and several means are available to control it. Thus, with early diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to reduce the number of attacks and prevent permanent damage to the joints.

However, even without treatment, the first attack can disappear spontaneously within one to two weeks. During the first 24 to 36 hours, the pain is very intense and the slightest pressure on the joint is unbearable. However, if the attack is treated quickly, it lasts 1 to 2 days and a new attack can occur 6 months to 2 years later. It should be noted that a small proportion of people with the disease will only have one attack of gout in their lifetime.

Yes, emotional stress can trigger a gout attack for some people. It's because high levels of anxiety and stress are linked to higher uric acid levels. Indeed, pantothenic acid is lost when you're stressed and this acid is vital because it helps the body remove uric acids.

When levels of pantothenic are low, uric is high and it can lead to gout. So you need to manage your stress to avoid a new gout attack. While it is difficult to avoid stress from work, relationships or other factors, long-term stress can trigger gout.

Read more: Can gout be triggered by stress?

Uric acid is a chemical that is created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are normally produced in the body and are also found in some foods and drinks.

In principle, uric acid dissolves in the blood, travels to the kidneys and from there is excreted in the urine. However, if we produce too much uric acid or do not eliminate enough uric acid, it can lead to the development of hyperuricemia, gout and can also cause kidney stones.

Painful gout attacks are the best known consequence of hyperuricemia. But, with a diet low in purines, we could avoid them.

Here are the foods richest in purines:

1. Red meat
2. Fish
3. Seafood
4. Alcohol
5. Caffeine
6. Guts
7. Fried food
8. Rich salsas
9. Soft Drinks
10. Fruit juices

For being rich in purines, these foods can trigger a crisis, so it is best to avoid them. You can learn which foods affect you the most. Reactions to different foods can vary from person to person. Remember that diet is only one part of gout treatment. It is also important to take medicines or home remedies to treat gout.

Gout can usually be avoided with proper treatment. Treatment consists of reducing uric acid levels in the blood, so that the urate crystals dissolve permanently; this requires an optimal uric acid level over a prolonged period of time. 

Only when blood uric acid levels are very high (9.5 mg/dL for men and 8.5 mg/dL for women) is drug treatment very recommended. In this case, treatment is based on the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, colchicine or corticoide, at decreasing doses for several days until total cessation of symptoms.

It is more effective the sooner it is started. There are two types of gout drug medications: those used to treat acute gout attacks and those used to prevent these attacks and their complications. Of course, during a gout attack, the main goal of gout medicine is to reduce pain and swelling and to get a immediate gout pain relief.

It is important to know that medical treatments are not designed to treat the root cause of gout. They are primarily used for pain relief. They are sometimes necessary for treating gout attacks. Corticosteroids are used to treat severe gout attacks. They can dramatically reduce the pain and symptoms of severe gout attacks within hours. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) are usually longer-lasting to control inflammation.

Colchicines can be used when neither corticosteroids nor NSAIDs are able to relieve the symptoms of acute gout attacks. But these medications can have side effects. They don't treat the root cause of your gout symptoms, as we have already mentioned. See an overview here: NIH Health Topics Gout.

But gout treatment can be very costly. Gout can lead to financial drain due to the many restrictions and prescriptions that are required for dietary management. So gout treatment is not always possible for everyone.

That is why gout management strategies should include natural gout treatments or home remedies because gout can also be treated with natural remedies. Natural gout treatments often focus on lifestyle factors, as this is the main cause of gout.

There are many natural and inexpensive ways to reduce uric acid levels in the body. It is important to remember that natural methods are not necessarily less effective. They may actually be more effective than pharmaceuticals because they have less of a negative impact on your liver and kidneys.

Gout sufferers are now searching for natural alternatives to traditional medications. These drugs can be costly and can have unwanted side effects. Many people suffering from gout have discovered that natural remedies for the condition are safer than prescription drugs and can be cheaper. Indeed, if blood uric acid levels are not very high, it is always preferable to take home remedies as treatment, to lower it bit a bit.

Sometimes it is easier to use a home remedy for gout while making lifestyle changes. Sometimes it's just one or two small changes that can make a big difference in your mood. You can even get a 10 minute gout cure! For example:

• Make a few changes in your diet.

• Reduce your alcohol intake.

• Reduce your weight.

• Hot and cold treatments: A hot and cold pack can be used to increase circulation around inflamed areas. This treatment can make you feel better immediately, while you consider other long-term options.

Many natural remedies for gout can be found in products and items we already have at home.

These items can be purchased at your local grocery shop if we don't have them. But not all remedies will work for everyone, it's important to find out which ones work best for you.

• Cherry consumption has been shown to help reduce uric acid. There have been many studies and testimonials. People with gout who have included cherries in their diet have been shown to experience fewer flare-ups of their afflicted joints. Cherry extracts have been shown to provide more relief from gout than the cherry fruit. Cherry extracts are natural and inexpensive, making them a healthy and affordable addition to your diet.
• Eat the greens, but skip the beans. - Consuming vegetables, especially those rich with Vitamin C like potatoes and broccoli can be a natural way of reducing uric acid. However, it should be taken in moderation. Gout pains can also be relieved by eating fibrous vegetables such as turnips and beets. Vegetables are usually inexpensive and can be quite tasty. Vegetables are the cheapest and most natural option when you're looking for gout relief. Although beans are naturally healthy, they should not be part of a patient with gout. Concentrated amounts of purine in beans can cause an increase in uric acid levels in the body.

• You need to drink water - The body's water content is a function of the amount of uric acid it contains. Drinking water can help a patient with gout by reducing the levels of uric acids and flushing out the excess. Do not just drink bottle after bottle. They will just be released immediately. You can sip it slowly, in small quantities every hour, and let your body absorb the water naturally.

• Back to Basic - I mean alkaline. Gout is caused when uric acids levels are high. This crystallized form can be deposited to various joints. Increasing alkaline in your diet, such as alkaline water and homemade baking soda solutions, may help to lower uric acid levels. Baking soda can be dissolved in water to reduce uric acid levels. Alkaline water is available in many water purifiers and water suppliers. It is safe and can be used as a source of alkaline for the diet. Baking soda is inexpensive and easy to use, but it can cause digestive side effects. Before you try this gout-relieving treatment, it is important to consult your doctor.

• Don't be too strict with the Vitamin C - Finally, a sufficient amount of Vitamin C can help relieve gout symptoms and reduce the risk of developing it. A 2009 study found that Vitamin C significantly decreased the risk of developing gout in 47,000 men. A third study found that those who took 1000mg of Vitamin C had a 34% lower risk than those who took fewer.[4] Vitamin C has been shown to lower the levels of uric acids in the blood. It also aids the kidney in eliminating uric acids from the body. One study found that vitamin C supplements can increase uric acids excretion in a matter of hours and lower blood levels. You can increase your vitamin-C intake by eating more vegetables and fruits, such as red bell peppers and red cabbage, potatoes and mandarins.  Vitamin C is found in many fruits, vegetables, and other foods. The classic Ascorbic is available in most pharmacies and can be purchased at a very affordable price. However, excessive Vitamin C intake can have adverse gastrointestinal effects.

• B-vitamins are vital for many bodily functions. One of their most important functions is to convert uric acids into harmless components. Vitamin B complex is a great home remedy for gout. Although these vitamins are found in many foods, many Western diets lack them. B vitamins can also be destroyed by some of the ingredients and processes used in their preparation. Supplementation is a safer way to get the B vitamins your body requires.

• Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, is found in pineapples. Although you can eat more pineapples to help, the enzyme is mainly found in the stem. Bromelain supplements work better because they extract the enzyme directly from the stems. This home remedy will increase blood flow to the affected area and help to eliminate urate crystals. It will also reduce inflammation and pain. For three minutes, apply a hot compress (a cloth in hot water) and then a cold compress (use ice). Repeat for thirty seconds. Continue to do this for at least twenty minutes, then switch to cold.

Natural home remedies for health problems that work are better than drug-based ones. Gout is no exception. Gout attacks can be treated with natural remedies.

Gout pain is a constant battle. You also need to think long-term. To prevent recurring episodes of gout, home remedies must be able lower and maintain healthy levels of uric acid. This is particularly important as frequent gout attacks can lead to joint damage, kidney stones, stroke, heart disease, and higher death rates.

Yes, you've found a natural way to quickly relieve gout at home! Baking soda is a quick and easy way to get rid of uric acid crystals and relieve gout symptoms. Baking soda can dissolve uric acids crystals, increase uric acid solubility to make it easier for your body to expel, and increase body fluid volume to aid your kidneys in excreting uric acids. High levels of uric acids in your bloodstream can cause gout. You must get rid of the crystals during an attack and expel excess uric acid.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate soda) with 8 oz water in a large container. Stir well. Take a glass of this mixture every morning when you get up in the morning. Between meals, drink a glass every two- to four hours. Take a glass at night before you go to bed. Limit your intake to 4 teaspoons per day. Continue this until your gout symptoms disappear. With this you will see how baking soda can help relieve gout in just 2 hours.

Baking soda is high in sodium so you will need to reduce salt intake while you are using the remedy. Change to a low-salt diet, and don't add salt any cooking or dishes. If you have hypertension (high bloodpressure), don't take this remedy without consulting your doctor.

Even if you suspect that you might have hypertension, you should consult your doctor first. This natural gout relief home remedy works only during an actual attack and should not be used if you are free from gout. Even if you have gout under control, you should still be working to reduce your uric acids levels so that you don't get another gout attack.

In both case (very high or not so high uric acid levels), to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body, it is important to eat a low-purine diet (avoid mainly seafood red meat) and correct obesity. Lifestyle modifications and a gout treatment diet can be made to control symptoms during gout attacks or help prevent the onset of gout attacks.

You must avoid foods that can cause gout and eat foods that will help you manage it. You should also be more active. Get up from the couch and take a walk. Your body will be able to flush out excess purines by exercising and drinking water. While exercise is important, you don't have to join a gym. Walking on a daily basis for at least 30 minutes has been shown to have many health benefits.

You should also drink pleny of water. It is a natural remedy for gout and can help you lose weight. Water serves two purposes, as most people with gout are overweight.

If you want to prevent future gout attacks, it is important to change your lifestyle. Keep reading online about gout treatment. You will find many information about how to treat gout on foot.

An acute attack of gout can be treated by performing a joint puncture. It can also be treated with corticosteroid injections. It is important to know that medication to reduce the level of uric acid in the blood can also be effective.

A simple grandmother's remedy can also stop a gout attack. Baking soda is a natural remedy that reduces the amount of uric acids in the blood. It also soothes joint pain. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with a glass water. You can drink this mixture 3 times per day.

Anti-inflammatory medications are also very popular. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and colchicine are both effective in quick relief of a severe gout attack. These remedies are temporary.

There are two types of treatment for gout: drugs to relieve an attack, and long-term drugs to prevent recurrence.

During an attack, colchicine or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) are prescribed. Sometimes the two families of drugs are combined. Also possibly corticosteroids.

Among the NSAID's, Ibuprofen or naproxen are the first choice for reducing the pain of a gout attack.

After the attack, the blood level of uric acid is controlled by a suitable diet and, possibly, by medication that must be taken for life. The latter often take several months to take effect.

Allopurinol is generally the first-line long-term background treatment and prevention of gout. It is a medicine used to lower levels of uric acid in your blood. Taken regularly, it can stop attacks of gout and help prevent damage to your joints.

A gout attack will generally disappear on its own, without any treatment, and everything will return to normal without any after-effects ... until the next attack. For several years the gout sufferer will have an attack from time to time (every one to two years), then the attacks will come closer together, but always, the interval between two attacks is normal.

So although the attack usually goes away on its own after 3 to 10 days, prompt treatment will speed up relief.